ANNOUNCING LA FILM FEST ADDITIONAL PROGRAMMING INCLUDING MAN OF STEEL
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Greg Longstreet, Film Independent
Tel: 310.432.1287 or glongstreet@filmindependent.org
Gina Lang, Ginsberg/Libby
Tel: 323.645.6800 or gina.lang@ginsberglibby.com
FILM INDEPENDENT AND LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL ANNOUNCE
SPECIAL PRE-FESTIVAL SCREENING OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES’
AND LEGENDARY PICTURES’ MAN OF STEEL
DISNEY•PIXAR’S MONSTERS UNIVERSITY ADDED TO FESTIVAL LINEUP
FESTIVAL PROGRAMMING TO INCLUDE A DISCUSSION WITH SPIKE JONZE
Events Honoring Women Editors In Film and Costume Designers Featuring A Screening Of Vertigo Announced
LOS ANGELES (May 8, 2012) – Today the Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by Film Independent, in conjunction with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times and Host Partner L.A. LIVE, announced a special pre-Festival screening of Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ Man of Steel on June 12. Starting May 10, Festival pass holders will have the exclusive opportunity to purchase tickets to this screening ahead of the general public on-sale via the Festival website. Additionally, joining the Festival line-up is a screening of Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University on June 18. The Festival also unveiled new programming, including “Spike Jonze: A Brand of His Own A Rubber Band and His Comb” which features a discussion with Jonze; “The Iconic Moment,” an event honoring costume designers and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences launch of the Costume Designers Branch, which concludes with a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo; and “Women in the Cut: A Celebration of Women Editors,” a conversation featuring some of today’s top editors. For more information on ticketing for both screenings as well as attending programmed events please visit www.lafilmfest.com.
“Each year the Festival continues the year round work of Film Independent by producing high profile, curated events – conversations, master classes and performances – bringing together artist and craftspeople who make the magic happen,” said Stephanie Allain, Festival Director. “It’s an honor this year to honor women editors, listen to legendary costume designers discuss their favorite iconic moment in film and then watch Vertigo outdoors at the Academy Lab. As always, alongside our lineup of amazing films, we have an equally stellar list of programmed events that are open to the public, from Maya to Mamet, Spike to Santaolalla. We’re taking you behind the scenes with the masters.”
The special pre-Festival screening of director Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel from Warner Bros. Pictures’ and Legendary Pictures’ takes place June 12 at 7:30 pm and stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Michael Shannon, Kevin Costner, Diane Lane, Laurence Fishburne, Antje Traue, Ayelet Zurer, Christopher Meloni and Russell Crowe. In the film, a young boy learns he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. But the hero in him must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind. Warner Bros. will release the film on June 14.
The screening of Disney•Pixar’s Monsters University takes place on June 18 at 7:30 pm and features the voices of Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, Alfred Molina and more. A prequel to the 2001 hit Monsters, Inc., the film recalls the college years of Mike Wazowski (voice of Crystal) and James P. Sullivan, “Sulley” (voice of Goodman), before they became best friends. Mike’s lifelong dream of becoming a Scarer is derailed during his first semester at Monsters University when he crosses paths with hotshot Sulley and their out-of-control competitive spirit gets them both kicked out of the University’s elite Scare Program. The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 21.
“Spike Jonze: A Brand of His Own A Rubber Band and His Comb” takes place June 22 at 8:00 pm. Jonze is both artist and entrepreneur. A pop culture instigator and one of the most original and intriguing filmmakers of our time, Jonze has managed to build a career on his terms. From his early beginnings entrenched in skateboard culture, he grew into one of the most sought-after music video directors. His inevitable leap into feature films displayed a new approach to storytelling and his unique brand of irony, humor, playfulness and visual style has taken audiences to the seventh and half floor, John Malkovich’s mind, Charlie Kaufman’s writer’s block and the fantasy world of Maurice Sendak. Jonze will be discussing his career as well as showing clips from his latest film, the upcoming Her.
The Festival also unveiled two incredible events that will take attendees behind the scenes and into the heart of filmmaking. On June 20 at 6:00 pm, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosts “The Iconic Moment,” an event celebrating costume designers and the inauguration of the Academy’s Costume Designers Branch. Curated by renowned costume designer Sophie de Rakoff, this evening program explores the convergence of art, design and film and will shine the spotlight on the contributions of costume designers to the world of cinema. The program will include a panel discussion with a group of esteemed costume designers, followed by a reception and an exhibit of photographs by artist Alex Prager. Afterwards, there will be an outdoor screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (featuring costumes by acclaimed costume designer Edith Head) at 8:30 pm, preceded by Alex Prager’s Hitchcock-inspired short film Despair. “The Iconic Moment” is sponsored by BBC.com.
On June 22 at 2:00 pm the Festival will hold “Women in the Cut: A Celebration of Women Editors.” The event will take a close look at the creative process of building a film through the work of a select group of women editors who will reveal some of the “secrets” of their craft and their collaborations with directors. Panelists include esteemed editors Sandra Adair (Before Midnight, Bernie), Maryann Brandon (Star Trek, Star Wars: Episode VII, Super 8), Academy Award® nominee Pamela Martin (Hitchcock, Ruby Sparks, The Fighter) and Kim Roberts (Waiting For Superman, Food, Inc. and the 2013 Festival World Premiere, American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs), with additional speakers to be announced. Acclaimed editor, filmmaker and Film Independent Board President Mary Sweeney will host and moderate the event. “Women in the Cut: A Celebration of Women Editors” is sponsored by MelroseMAC.
The 2013 Los Angeles Film Festival, which returns to downtown Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE for a fourth year and runs from Thursday, June 13 to Sunday, June 23, will screen a diverse slate of nearly 200 feature films, shorts and music videos, representing more than 40 countries, along with signature programs such as the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film Nights at The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE, Poolside Chats, Master Classes and more. Opening the Festival will be the North American premiere of Pedro Almodóvar’s I’m So Excited! and closing the Festival will be The Way, Way Back from Oscar® winners Nat Faxon and Jim Rash and starring Steve Carell, Toni Collette, Allison Janney, Annasophia Robb, Sam Rockwell, Maya Rudolph and Liam James. Visit lafilmfest.com for the most up-to-date schedule of films and programming.
Previously announced, the official 2013 Festival lineup as well as filmmaker David O. Russell who will serve as Guest Director and will receive the Spirit of Independence Award. Also confirmed were two Master Classes with Artists in Residence Maya Rudolph and Gustavo Santaolalla, “An Evening With Costa-Gavras,” including the US premiere of his new film Capital, and an “In Conversation” with playwright/filmmaker David Mamet and actor/stage magician/author Ricky Jay. Also announced were the free Community Screenings including a 20th Anniversary screening of Dazed and Confused from director Richard Linklater and a Dance-A-Long screening of John Waters’ Hairspray in honor of its 25th Anniversary.
More Special Screenings and Programs will be announced in the coming weeks.
Passes are currently on sale to Film Independent members and the general public. In addition to screenings and events, Festival passes provide access to a series of networking receptions and entry to the Filmmaker Lounge, where Festival pass holders can interact with Festival filmmakers and professionals in the film community. General admission tickets to individual films go on sale beginning May 21. Contact the Ticket Office for passes, tickets and event information by calling 866.FILM.FEST (866.345.6337) or visit LAFilmFest.com.
For the eighth year, the Los Angeles Times will serve as the Festival’s Presenting Media Sponsor and will produce the Official Film Guide, the comprehensive source for all movie info, screenings, locations and related special events. The Film Guide will top the paper on Sunday, June 9 in Los Angeles and Orange County, and will be made available throughout downtown Los Angeles during the ten-day event.
For media and publicist credentials please visit the Press & Media section of lafilmfest.com/credentials and fill out the application. Deadline is May 17.
The Los Angeles Film Festival is presented in conjunction with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times, Premier and Closing Night Sponsor DIRECTV, Premier and Opening Night Sponsor American Airlines, Principal and Family Day sponsor Hasbro Studios and Platinum sponsors Stella Artois, Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14, EFILM, HBO, Volkswagen of America, and Canon U.S.A., Inc. Special support is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Official Screening Venue is Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14. Stella Artois is the official beer. Renwood Winery is the official wine provider. Shellback Caribbean Rum is the official spirit. The Los Angeles Athletic Club is the Official Host Hotel. WireImage is the Official Photography Agency and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.
ADDITIONAL FILMS & PROGRAMMING
Special Pre-Festival Screening:
• Man of Steel – June 12
Festival Screening:
• Monsters University – June 18
Programming:
• “Spike Jonze: A Brand of His Own A Rubber Band and His Comb” – June 22
• “The Iconic Moment” – Honoring Costume Designers – June 20
• “Women in the Cut: A Celebration of Women Editors” – June 22
ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL
Now in its nineteenth year, the Los Angeles Film Festival, supported by L.A. LIVE and the Los Angeles Times, showcases the best in new American and international cinema and providing the movie-loving public with access to some of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world.
The Festival features unique signature programs including the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film Nights at the Grammy Museum, Poolside Chats, Master Classes and more. Additionally, the Festival screens short films created by high school students and has a special section devoted to music videos.
Over 200 features, shorts and music videos, representing more than 30 countries, make up the main body of the Festival.
The DIRECTV Narrative and Documentary Grand Jury Prizes are cash awards for best narrative and documentary features selected by an esteemed panel of jurors each year. The Festival also hosts best narrative, documentary and animated short film jury awards as well as a jury award for best performance in the narrative competition. Audience awards are also presented to best documentary, narrative and international feature, short film and music video.
The Los Angeles Film Festival is presented in conjunction with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times, Premier and Closing Night Sponsor DIRECTV, Premier and Opening Night Sponsor American Airlines, Principal and Family Day sponsor Hasbro Studios and Platinum sponsors Stella Artois, Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14, EFILM, HBO, Volkswagen of America, and Canon U.S.A., Inc. Special support is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Official Screening Venue is Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14. Stella Artois is the official beer. Renwood Winery is the official wine provider. Shellback Caribbean Rum is the official spirit. The Los Angeles Athletic Club is the Official Host Hotel. WireImage is the Official Photography Agency and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.
More information can be found at LAFilmFest.com.
ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT
Film Independent is a nonprofit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover.
Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.
With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.
For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.
ABOUT LOS ANGELES TIMES
The Los Angeles Times is the largest metropolitan daily newspaper in the country, with a daily readership of 1.5 million and 2.6 million on Sunday, more than 23 million unique latimes.com visitors monthly and a combined print and online local weekly audience of 4.1 million. The Pulitzer Prize-winning Times has been covering Southern California for more than 131 years.
The Los Angeles Times Media Group (LATMG) businesses and affiliates also include The Envelope, Times Community News, and Hoy Los Angeles which, combined with the flagship Los Angeles Times, reach approximately 5.2 million or 39% of all adults in the Southern California marketplace. LATMG also owns California Community News, LLC, operates Tribune Direct LA, and is part of Tribune Company, one of the country’s leading media companies with businesses in publishing, the Internet and broadcasting.
Additional information is available at http://latimes.com/aboutus.
ABOUT L.A. LIVE
L.A. LIVE is a 4 million square foot / $2.5 billion downtown Los Angeles sports & entertainment district adjacent to STAPLES Center and the Los Angeles Convention Center featuring Club Nokia, a 2,300 capacity live music venue, Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, a 7,100-seat live theatre, a 54-story, 1001-room convention “headquarters” destination (featuring The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles and JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE hotels and 224 luxury condominiums – The Ritz Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE – all in a single tower), The GRAMMY Museum at L.A. LIVE, the 14-screen Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14 theatre, “broadcast” facilities for ESPN along with entertainment, residential, restaurant and office space.
Visit L.A. LIVE today at www.lalive.com.
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